A H Scott

how would you describe what you do?
I write fiction and dip my pinky toe into the ocean of essay & commentary. And, boy, oh boy the waters of opinion can definitely be quite choppy.

what are you currently working on?
Well, firstly at this moment there are some new projects are in the starting positions. Just a few chapters here and there on a variety of different types of fiction. Gentle romance to shoot ’em up adventures is what I’m working on at this moment.

Secondly, I’m working on the re-working, re-tweaking, re-release and re-launching of my first novel, titled “Over My Head”. I’m spicing it up and tightening the format of this contemporary romance with aspects of suspense and mystery thrown into the mix.

“Over My Head” had been released in 2010 from Hearts On Fire Books. Although Hearts On Fire Books is now defunct, I’m am forever grateful for them giving my novel a chance. Oh, by the way, Melissa Miller & Chris Browers who ran Hearts On Fire Books, now run Solstice Publishing.

Jeez, enough of the sad stuff. And, now onto what “Over My Head” is about. Instead of me rambling on and on about it, I’ll just let you find out for yourselves. If anyone is interested, please feel free to visit Romance At Heart, which has an interview I did with them for the original release of “Over My Head” in 2010. Check out the links below and you will find the interview from March 2010. Also, there is a pair of book trailers that I created for “Over My Head”.

what has had the greatest influence on your work?
All of my English teachers, from toddler to adult, have been the spark to my imagination and the world of literature. Also, of course, I’ve enjoyed many authors. In some ways, the list to too long to mention. But, here’s just a small smattering: Jackie Collins, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Ken Follett, Barbara Taylor Bradford, James Michener, Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King.

what is the greatest misconception about you or your work?
Oh, I think the beauty of writing fiction is having the ability to hide in plain sight. In words, I can be the author of light romance and erotica, all in one. I think that’s the greatest misconception about me. People may think, well, A.H. Scott only writes something sweet and feathery. When if they truly picked up my work and read it, they’d find the truth more spicy and dark.

what do you see as the main strengths and weaknesses of the medium you work in?
Strengths are the ability to stand in the shadows and be able to craft tales that will make people wonder what kind of person wrote this work. I feel it’s a powerful thing to be able to get people to speculate about who an author is behind the screen and stylus.

And, as for weakness – I would say I’d be the author that would blush if I had to read any of my more scintillating work in a public forum. Whoa! My cheeks would turn a few shades redder with every word that would have to be spoken before a crowd.

how has technology impacted upon the work you do?
In two basic ways. First, the power of this ever expanding arena of social media is key for me. Secondly, and most importantly, is going beyond pen & paper.

The internet has helped get the word out on my work. I’m becoming my own best PR rep as time goes by. Now, as for pen & paper, it would take almost a year to write down everything I’ve been able to breeze through in under a three month period. And, besides, it would be hard as hell to carry a typewriter around with all those ribbons needing to be replaced all the time. The computer rules. And, I bow down to it from time to time, when I realize how long the stories I write go on and on sometimes. There are days that the words can flow like water. And, my fingers don’t want to stop the gushing of thoughts pressing against keyboard.

what’s the greatest piece of advice you would like to pass on?
I would say that you should never give up. Oh, boy, how cliche is that? But, then again, it’s true. Never give up your dreams. No matter how many people close the door of opportunity in your face. Keep on pushing forward with whatever your heart may wish. Only you can make the change in your life. Try and try again. And, maybe one day you’ll be lucky enough to have your work seen by the world.

what are you reading at the moment?
Just got this Sunday’s morning paper and have started reading a Sunday Magazine article on the mother of Barack Obama (Sunday, April 24, 2010). Might not have the heft of “War and Peace”, but in some ways, this backgrounder on President Obama’s life with his mother in Indonesia, shows the complexity of a parent and child relationship.

what are you listening to at the moment?
Elton John & Leon Russell: The Union. Their album proves once again the power of great lyrics by the brilliant Bernie Taupin and the talent of two piano players with fiery fingers & unforgettable voices. Youth may seem king in today’s popstar world. Yet, true royalty rises above the howls of immaturity. That’s why I like to stick to the vocal masters of maturity.

One thing that I truly appreciate is musicianship. And, that for me, comes in the form of an artist with an ability to play an instrument. Those who rely on sampling others and unable to craft their own art, seem the most diluted of those who consider themselves talented in the music sphere.

anything else we should know?
After all else I’ve responded to in this interview, this might sound a bit weak to answer with. Yet, I do have one last thing to remark on: Stop The War.

2 Responses to “A H Scott”

Hmm, now this is one very cool and eclectic interview. I totally LOVE this line – “Oh, I think the beauty of writing fiction is having the ability to hide in plain sight.”. Yes, that is a profound statement and it has started my Muse to ponder the implications. A.H., I like your style, I always have. Your gifts as an author are uniquely you – special and rare. I hope you follow your own advice and never give up. ((( Smooches )))

Benjamin, thank you so much for those great words. As to gifts, we all have them. I guess it just takes us a little bit longer to come to the surface, than others. But, when it appears, the gift of writing is like a river of raging thoughts and placid prose. There might be moments that the way to succeeding at anything isn’t a smooth highway. But, I have good hiking boots and always take life one step at a time. Never give up and always look for that sun across the horizon. ((hugs)))